HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-06-09-ConCom-min.pdf
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PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES
Conservation Commission
___________________________________________________________________________
AGENDA Tuesday, June 9th, 2026, 6:30 p.m.
This Conservation Commission meeting was held remotely via Zoom, an online meeting
platform. Public participation via calling in or using a computer was encouraged.
Commissioners Present: Kevin Beuttell (joined late), Alexandra Dohan, Philip Hamilton, Jason
Hnatko, Ruth Ladd (Chair), Thomas Olivier, and Thomas Whelan;
Staff Present: Karen Mullins, Conservation Director, and Megan Guardado, Department
Assistant;
6:30 PM New Business/Pending Matters
Approve Minutes: 4/14/2026 and 4/28/2026
On a motion by Mr. Hamilton and seconded by Mr. Hnatko, the Commission voted 6-0 by roll
call vote to approve the 4/14/2026 minutes.
Record of Vote as Follows:
Alex Dohan – Aye
Philip Hamilton – Aye
Jason Hnatko – Aye
Ruth Ladd – Aye
Tom Olivier – Aye
Tom Whelan – Aye
On a motion by Mr. Hamilton and seconded by Mr. Hnatko, the Commission voted 6-0 by roll
call vote to approve the 4/28/2026 minutes.
Record of Vote as Follows:
Alex Dohan – Aye
Philip Hamilton – Aye
Jason Hnatko – Aye
Ruth Ladd – Aye
Tom Olivier – Aye
Tom Whelan – Aye
Request for Certificate of Compliance: 18 Winthrop Rd, DEP #201-1200, OpenGov COC-24-24
Ms. Ladd stated that she and Ms. Mullins visited the site and found it to be in compliance with
the order. Ms. Mullins stated that the wetland consultant Mr. Rich Kirby, LEC Environmental,
forwarded the Commission’s original comments to the owners to address. Mr. Kirby presented
photos of the site as is now having addressed the requested changes including moving the solar
light from the Feno boundary. Mr. Kirby presented photos of the current conditions of the site
including the edge of the Feno markers and boulders installed along the do not disturb boundary.
On a motion by Ms. Dohan and seconded by Mr. Hamilton, the Commission voted 5-0 by roll
call vote to issue the full Certificate of Compliance.
Record of Vote as Follows:
Alex Dohan – Aye
Philip Hamilton – Aye
Jason Hnatko – Aye
Ruth Ladd – Aye
Tom Olivier – Abstain
Tom Whelan – Aye
Request for Certificate of Compliance: 24 Hamblen St, DEP #201-1241, OpenGov COC-23-13
Mr. Kirby stated that the additional three plantings were installed prior to the recent site visit.
On a motion by Mr. Whelan and seconded by Ms. Dohan, the Commission voted 5-0 by roll call
vote to issue the full Certificate of Compliance.
Record of Vote as Follows:
Alex Dohan – Aye
Philip Hamilton – Aye
Jason Hnatko – Aye
Ruth Ladd – Aye
Tom Olivier – Abstain
Tom Whelan – Aye
Request for Certificate of Compliance: 132 Adams St, DEP #201-1366, OpenGov COC-26-8
Ms. Mullins stated that the project site falls within riverfront area and the floodplain and that the
limit of work boundary and erosion controls were removed and landscaping was then done. Ms.
Mullins stated that she has requested an updated as-built to confirm the flood elevation and that
the landscaping completed did not fill the floodplain.
Mr. Frederick W. Russell, project engineer, presented the as-built plan and stated that two trees
were installed past the limit of work line. Mr. Russell also stated that there is a flood zone
elevation of 178.4 that is within the right-of-way and is not on the lot. Ms. Mullins noted that she
spoke with the project manager from Westview Homes and confirmed the activity extended up to
the edge of pavement where the flood zone elevation line of 178.4 is on the as-built.
Ms. Mullins stated that she recommends the Commission issue a Full Certificate of Compliance
pending the submission of a confirmatory as-built being submitted.
On a motion by Mr. Hnatko and seconded by Ms. Dohan, the Commission voted 5-0 by roll call
vote to issue the full Certificate of Compliance pending Ms. Mullin’s review of the final as-built.
Record of Vote as Follows:
Alex Dohan – Aye
Philip Hamilton – Aye
Jason Hnatko – Aye
Ruth Ladd – Aye
Tom Olivier – Abstain
Tom Whelan – Aye
Request for Certificate of Compliance: 8 Lake St, DEP #201-1009, BL 966 OpenGov COC-26-9
Mr. Frederick Russell, project engineer, stated that in 2017, a mounding analysis was provided
along with a letter to request the Certificate of Compliance. Mr. Russell stated that the
Engineering Department had approved of the project as-built in 2017 and the certificate had not
been issued at that time. Ms. Mullins stated that the Engineering Department emailed in 2017
that they did agree with the mounding analysis.
Mr. Russell stated that a bond was on hold and asked if this was with the Commission. Ms.
Mullins stated that she does not recall a bond with the Commission being held as this is not their
typical process and that she will verify this information.
On a motion by Mr. Hamilton and seconded by Ms. Dohan, the Commission voted 5-0 by roll
call vote to issue the full Certificate of Compliance.
Record of Vote as Follows:
Alex Dohan – Aye
Philip Hamilton – Aye
Jason Hnatko – Aye
Ruth Ladd – Aye
Tom Olivier – Abstain
Tom Whelan – Aye
Request for Certificate of Compliance: 42 Winthrop Rd, DEP #201-1265, OpenGov COC-25-20
Mr. Paul Kirchner, Stamski and McNary, was present at the meeting and provided an overview
of the project including a recent request for an Amended Order of Conditions which was issued
by the Commission. Mr. Kirchner stated that the restoration work has been completed onsite and
all that remains is the three-year monitoring period. There is one deviation to the plan which was
the modification of the footprint of the infiltration system.
Ms. Mullins stated that the Conservation Regulatory Aide Mason Bunker visited the site prior to
the meeting and asked if the inspection port was at spot grade. Ms. Mullins suggested that staff
hold the partial Certificate of Compliance until spot grade is verified.
On a motion by Mr. Hamilton and seconded by Mr. Whelan, the Commission voted 5-0 by roll
call vote to issue the Partial Certificate of Compliance, pending the verification of the spot grade.
Record of Vote as Follows:
Alex Dohan – Aye
Philip Hamilton – Aye
Jason Hnatko – Aye
Ruth Ladd – Aye
Tom Olivier – Abstain
Tom Whelan – Aye
Schedule site visits: 6/23/2026 Meeting
Ms. Ladd stated that there are no new filings for the upcoming meeting and the Commission will
only need to visit one site regarding a violation. The site visit will be scheduled for Tuesday June
16, 2026, starting at 5:30pm.
Reports: Bike Advisory, Community Gardens, Community Preservation Committee,
Enforcement Updates, Greenway Corridor Committee, Land Acquisition, Land Management,
Land Steward Directors, Tree Committee
None.
The public hearing for 251 Waltham Street, the Lexington High School Notice of Intent project
would be moved to the end of the agenda to allow for a quorum to be present.
7:00 PM New Public Meetings/Hearings
Request for Determination of Applicability: 52 Lincoln Street
OpenGov Permit# CDOA-26-6
Applicant/Property Owner: Peter Coleman, Town of Lexington
Project: Reconstruction of the existing athletic field, construction of concrete walkways and
seating areas, installation of a chain link fence, and associated site appurtenances, within and
outside of the 100-foot buffer zone to Bordering Vegetated Wetlands.
Documentation Submitted:
WPA Form 1 – Request for Determination of Applicability; Locus: 52 Lincoln Street,
Lexington, MA; Prepared for: Peter Coleman; Property Owner: Town of Lexington;
Prepared by: Megan Buczynski, Activitas, Inc.; Date: 05/19/2026
Permitting Documents: Cover Sheet, Sheet EX1.0, “Existing Conditions Plan”, Sheet
SP1.1, “Site Preparation Plan”, Sheet SP1.2, “Site Preparation Detail Sheet”, Sheet L1.1,
“Site Plan”, Sheet L2.1, “Detail Sheet I”, Sheet L2.2, “Detail Sheet II”; Locus: 52
Lincoln St, Lexington, MA; Prepared for: Town of Lexington; Prepared by: Activitas;
Date: 05/19/2026
Project Narrative; Locus: 52 Lincoln St, Lexington, MA; To: Town of Lexington
Conservation Commission; From: Ben McDonough, and Megan Buczynski, Activitas;
Date: 05/19/2026
Mr. Ben McDonough, Activitas, presented and Ms. Megan Buczynski, Activitas, was also
present. Mr. McDonough stated that the project includes the renovation of the existing softball
field at Lincoln Park to be transformed into a Little League field. Mr. McDonough noted that the
Lincoln Park site is a capped landfill which impacts vertical infiltration. The resource area onsite
sits lower than the existing softball field. The proposed little league field is smaller than the
existing softball field and the proposed field can be located 32 feet away from the wetland. Mr.
McDonough stated that a three-foot wide trench is proposed to catch runoff.
Mr. Olivier asked where the landfill cap is located on the presented site plan. Mr. McDonough
stated that the exact limits of the landfill cap were not delineated through the site survey and
presented the estimated area of this.
Ms. Lin Jensen, 133 Reed Street, asked for clarification on what type of materials are proposed
as the field surface. Mr. McDonough stated that the field is existing natural grass and will remain
natural grass with the infield layout being shifted.
On a motion by Ms. Dohan and seconded by Mr. Hamilton, the Commission voted 6-0 by roll
call vote to issue a negative determination with conditions.
Record of Vote as Follows:
Alex Dohan – Aye
Philip Hamilton – Aye
Jason Hnatko – Aye
Ruth Ladd – Aye
Tom Olivier – Aye
Tom Whelan – Aye
Request for Determination of Applicability: 9 Luongo Farm Lane
OpenGov Permit# CDOA-26-5
Applicant/Property Owner: Isabella Palazzolo
Project: Construction of an addition to the existing house, reconstruction of an existing bulkhead,
installation of a stormwater chamber system, and associated site appurtenances outside of the
100-foot buffer zone to Bordering Vegetated Wetlands but under a perpetual impervious surface
cap.
Documentation Submitted:
WPA Form 1 – Request for Determination of Applicability; Locus: 9 Luongo Farm Ln,
Lexington, MA; Prepared for: Isabella Palazzolo; Prepared by: Bradley Mustain,
Meridian Associates; Date: 05/13/2026
Site Renovations Plans: Cover Sheet, Sheet 2, “General Notes and Legend”, Sheet 3,
“Existing Conditions Plan”, Sheet 4, “Proposed Site Plan”, Sheet 5, “Details”; Locus: 9
Luongo Farm Ln, Lexington, MA; Prepared for: Robert Phelan; Prepared by: Meridian
Associates; Date: 05/14/2026
Stormwater Analysis & Calculations Report; Locus: 9 Luongo Farm Ln, Lexington, MA;
Prepared for: Robert Phelan; Prepared by: Meridian Associates, Inc.; Date: 05/19/2026
Project Description; Locus: 9 Luongo Farm Ln, Lexington, MA; To: Karen Mullins,
Conservation Administrator; From: Bradley Mustain, Meridian Associates, Inc.; Date:
05/14/2026
Ms. Mullins stated that this project is presented through a request for determination of
applicability since the stormwater drainage could impact the resource area, despite the project
being outside of the 100-foot buffer zone.
Mr. Bob Phelan, project builder, was present and stated that the proposal includes installation of
an underground infiltration chamber to address stormwater from the new roof area proposed.
Ms. Mullin stated that a report from the Engineering Department has not been provided and that
the Commission could issue the determination with the condition that the Engineering
Department issues a positive letter prior to start of construction.
On a motion by Mr. Hamilton and seconded by Ms. Dohan, the Commission voted 6-0 by roll
call vote to issue a negative determination with conditions including the condition that work does
not start until the Engineering Department has confirmed the work meets all Town standards.
Record of Vote as Follows:
Alex Dohan – Aye
Philip Hamilton – Aye
Jason Hnatko – Aye
Ruth Ladd – Aye
Tom Olivier – Aye
Tom Whelan – Aye
Continued Public Meetings/Hearings
Notice of Intent: 114 Wood Street
OpenGov Permit# CNOI-26-5, DEP #201-1389
Applicant/Property Owner: Scott Seaver, Seaver Construction / Angelo and Marianne Tortola
Project: Demolition of a single-family dwelling and associated site appurtenances, the
construction of a multi-family residential development and associated access road, parking,
utilities, grading, and other site appurtenances within the 100-foot buffer zone to Bordering
Vegetated Wetlands, an Isolated Vegetated Wetland, Isolated Land Subject to Flooding, and
Vernal Pool Habitat.
Previous Hearing Dates: 4/14/2026, 4/28/2026 (no testimony), 5/19/2026 (no testimony)
Supplemental Documentation Submitted:
Sheet 6, “Proposed Site Layout”; Prepared for: Seaver Construction, Inc.; Prepared by:
Keenan Survey; Date: 05/14/2026
Sheet 8, “Site Construction Plan I”; Prepared for: Seaver Construction, Inc.; Prepared by:
Keenan Survey; Date: 05/14/2026
Title Letter; To: Scott Seaver and Steven N. Zieff, Seaver Construction; From: Melissa
A. Gnoza Ogden, Mawn and Mawn, P.C.; Date: 05/08/2026
Email; Subject: 114 Wood Street; To: Scott Seaver, Seaver Construction; From: Melissa
Gnoza Ogden, Mawn and Mawn, P.C.; Date: 05/13/2026
Mr. Rich Kirby, LEC, presented and stated that a concept plan has been submitted for discussion
during this meeting prior to submitting revised plans and stormwater designs. The results of the
pressure test of the waterline have been submitted to the record. Mr. Kirby stated that three units
have been removed from the design plan and that the turnaround area has been pulled back so
that only a few square feet of the turnaround and of the last unit fall within the 100-foot Vernal
Pool Habitat buffer zone. Mr. Kirby also noted that a Title letter has been provided explaining
that the title and records for the property do not provide evidence of any restriction on the site or
ownership by the National Park Service.
Ms. Ladd thanked the applicant for making substantial changes to the plan. Mr. Hnatko agreed
the removal of three units made positive changes to the plans. Mr. Whelan expressed that he
appreciates less trees being proposed for removal. Mr. Olivier stated that the National Park
Service’s (NPS) letter stated they hold a jurisdictional oversight role under statute and he asked
for further comments from NPS. Ms. Ladd noted that boulders or fences should be installed
rather than Feno bounds to ensure residents understand not to disturb the resource areas.
Ms. Margie Brown, Integrated Resources Program Manager at Minuteman National Historical
Park, stated the National Park Service holds a legal interest in the property as recorded as part of
public law 102-488. Ms. Brown stated that the parcel is within the administrative boundary of
the National Park Service and they hold a legal interest in the property remaining as one-family.
Mr. Olivier asked if Ms. Brown could elaborate on the legal interest in the property remaining as
a single-family dwelling. Ms. Brown stated that there is a thirty-year clause and that the
administrative boundary has not changed and could only be changed through Congress. Ms.
Brown stated that this information is included in a letter previously submitted to the record from
the National Park Superintendent.
Ms. Janet Lane, 21 Hayward Ave, stated she has concerns regarding the proposed plantings and
asked that visual screening be included on the portion of the lot bordering 7 Amherst St. Ms.
Lane also asked that proposed plantings be revised to include more resilient plantings.
Ms. Lin Jensen, 133 Reed Street, stated that all of the multi-dwelling projects proposed in town
require the removal of many trees and expressed concern for the environmental loss of these
trees. Ms. Jensen also expressed concern for chemicals used for pest control purposes.
Ms. Ladd stated that any proposed trails for ACROSS Lexington on the site should be
unimproved single path trails and that no official trail should be included under any powerlines.
Ms. Linda Adler, 33A Woodpark Circle, stated that the proposed garden would be visible from
their property and expressed concern for the mitigation of water runoff into the wetlands and
how it would impact their property. Ms. Adler also asked about the height of the retaining wall
and if there would be screening plantings along the retaining wall. Mr. Fred Russell, project
engineer, stated that the retaining wall would be no higher than four feet in height. Mr. Kirby
noted that the applicant will keep screening in mind through their revisions to the planting plan.
Ms. Brown stated that the zoning regulations for multi-family housing include preservation and
minimized impacts on natural features and resource areas. Mr. Kirby stated that the proposal has
very minimal impact on sensitive areas on site within the revised concept plan.
On a motion by Mr. Hamilton and seconded by Ms. Dohan, the Commission voted 6-0 by roll
call vote to continue the hearing to 7/14/2026, at the applicant’s request.
Record of Vote as Follows:
Alex Dohan – Aye
Philip Hamilton – Aye
Jason Hnatko – Aye
Ruth Ladd – Aye
Tom Olivier – Aye
Tom Whelan – Aye
Notice of Intent: 18 Saddle Club Road
OpenGov Permit# CNOI-26-6, DEP #201-1390
Applicant/Property Owner: Yousaf Sami
Project: Demolition of a deck, walkway, retaining wall, and pavement and the construction of a
new garage addition, rear addition, deck, stairs, and other site appurtenances within the 200-foot
Riverfront Area and the 100-foot buffer zone to Bordering Vegetated Wetlands and Bordering
Land Subject to Flooding (Local Code).
Previous Hearing Date: 5/19/2026
Supplemental Documentation Submitted:
Stormwater Analysis; Locus: 18 Saddle Club Rd, Lexington, MA; Prepared by: Sullivan
Engineering Group, LLC; Date: 04/27/2026; Revised: 05/27/2026
Plot Plan of Land; Locus: 18 Saddle Club Rd, Lexington, MA; Prepared for: Yousaf
Sami; Prepared by: Sullivan Engineering Group, LLC: Date: 04/02/2026; Revised:
05/27/2026
Mr. Yousaf Sami, owner of 18 Saddle Club Road, presented and Ms. Maureen Herald, Norse
Environmental, was present for the hearing. Mr. Sami stated that he received an Order of
Conditions in 2022 and in 2024 there was unauthorized vegetation removal and installation of
ground cover onsite. Mr. Sami also stated that the property has a history of wetland disturbance,
predating all wetland regulations. Mr. Sami also stated a proposal has been submitted proposing
the establishment of restoring the 25-foot buffer zone to native plantings.
Ms. Ladd stated that the vegetation removed in the 25-foot buffer zone appears to have been
native species based on aerials of the site. Ms. Ladd also noted that the number of shrubs
proposed for planting should be increased to mitigate for what has been removed. Ms. Herald
presented the proposed restoration planting list. Ms. Ladd suggested that the highbush blueberry
be removed from the list, to increase the total number of shrub species to five and increase the
total number of tree species to five. Mr. Whelan suggested adding native alder to the list of trees.
Ms. Ladd asked Ms. Herald for updated information regarding the soil testing as well. Ms.
Herald noted that she has not been able to return to the site yet but provided the history of the
site’s soil disturbance.
The Commission discussed including Feno bounds surrounding the restoration area. Ms. Herald
stated that the plan can be revised to have Feno bounds every 15 feet rather than the originally
proposed 30 feet. Ms. Mullins suggested large boulders along the 25-foot buffer zone. Ms.
Herald asked if a post and rail fence would be acceptable. Ms. Ladd noted that post and rail
fences tend to rot and are less permanent than boulders or Feno markers. Ms. Ladd stated that the
boulders can be placed between the Feno markers.
Mr. Sami asked if the Commission would consider this project as an Amendment to the 2022
Notice of Intent or if this project should be pursued still through this new Notice of Intent filing.
Mr. Hamilton noted that an Amendment to the Order of Conditions would require a new filing
and re-opening that hearing.
On a motion by Mr. Whelan and seconded by Mr. Hnatko, the Commission voted 7-0 by roll call
vote to continue the hearing to 6/23/2026, at the applicant’s request.
Record of Vote as Follows:
Kevin Beuttell – Aye
Alex Dohan – Aye
Philip Hamilton – Aye
Jason Hnatko – Aye
Ruth Ladd – Aye
Tom Whelan – Aye
Notice of Intent: 251 Waltham Street (Lexington High School)
OpenGov Permit# CNOI-26-4, DEP #201-1387
Applicant/Property Owner: Michael Cronin, Town of Lexington School Building Committee
Project: Demolition of the existing high school building, athletic fields and parking lot,
construction of a new school building, athletic fields, parking lot, landscaping, and associated
site appurtenances, within the 100-foot buffer zone to Bordering Vegetated Wetlands, Isolated
Land Subject to Flooding and Isolated Vegetated Wetlands.
Previous Hearing Dates: 2/24/2026, 3/10/2026, 3/31/2026 (no testimony), 4/14/2026 (no
testimony), 4/28/2026, 5/19/2026
Supplemental Documentation Submitted:
Notice of Intent Wetland Peer Review Response 2; To: Ms. Mullins and Conservation
Commission; From: SMMA, BSC; Date: 05/28/2026
Notice of Intent Waiver Requests; To: Lexington Conservation Commission; From:
SMMA, BSC; Date: 05/27/2026
Notice of Intent Stormwater Peer Review, Wet Swale Drainage Response; To: Lexington
Conservation Commission; From: SMMA; Date: 05/27/2026
Notice of Intent Stormwater Peer Review, Standard 5 LUHPPL Response; To: Lexington
Conservation Commission; From: SMMA; Date: 05/26/2026
Notice of Intent Stormwater Peer Review, Recharge Response; To: Lexington
Conservation Commission; From: SMMA; Date: 05/22/2026
Notice of Intent Stormwater Peer Review Tree Box Response; To: Lexington
Conservation Commission; From: SMMA; Date: 05/22/2026
Stormwater Review Letter #2; To: Conservation Commission; From: Apex; Date:
06/03/2026
Wetland Resource Area Review Letter #2; To: Conservation Commission; From: Apex;
Date: 06/03/2026
Notice of Intent Peer Review Response 3; To: Lexington Conservation Commission;
From: SMMA; Date: 06/04/2026
NOI Submission Plan Set: Cover Sheet, Sheet C-001, “Overall Site Plan”, Sheet C-101A,
“Existing Conditions Plan A”, Sheet C-101B, “Existing Conditions Plan B”, Sheet C-
101C, “Existing Conditions Plan C”, Sheet C-101D, “Existing Conditions Plan D”, Sheet
C-101E, “Existing Conditions Plan E”, Sheet C-101F, “Existing Conditions Plan F”,
Sheet C-101G, “Existing Conditions Plan G”, Sheet C-101H, “Existing Conditions Plan
H”, Sheet C-111A, “Site Preparation Plan A – Phase 1”, Sheet C-111B, “Site Preparation
Plan B – Phase 1”, Sheet C-111C, “Site Preparation Plan C – Phase 1”, Sheet C-111D,
“Site Preparation Plan D – Phase 1”, Sheet C-111E, “Site Preparation Plan E – Phase 1”,
Sheet C-111F, “Site Preparation Plan F – Phase 1”, Sheet C-111G, “Site Preparation Plan
G – Phase 1”, Sheet C-111H, “Site Preparation Plan H – Phase 1”, Sheet C-112A, “Site
Preparation Plan A – Phase 2”, Sheet C-112B, “Site Preparation Plan B – Phase 2”, Sheet
C-112C, “Site Preparation Plan C – Phase 2”, Sheet C-112D, “Site Preparation Plan D –
phase 2”, Sheet C-112E, “Site Preparation Plan E – Phase 2”, Sheet C-112F, “Site
Preparation Plan F – Phase 2”, Sheet C-112G, “Site Preparation Plan G – Phase 2”, Sheet
C-112H, “Site Preparation Plan H – Phase 2”, Sheet C-121A, “Layout and Materials Plan
A”, Sheet C-121B, “Layout and Materials Plan B”, Sheet C-121C, “Layout and Materials
Plan C”, Sheet C-121D, “Layout and Materials Plan D”, Sheet C-121E, “Layout and
Materials Plan E”, Sheet C-121F, “Layout and Materials Plan F”, Sheet C-121G, “Layout
and Materials Plan G”, Sheet C-121H, “Layout and Materials Plan H”, Sheet C-131A,
“Grading and Drainage Plan A”, Sheet C-131B, “Grading and Drainage Plan B”, Sheet
C-131C, “Grading and Drainage Plan C”, Sheet C-131D, “Grading and Drainage Plan
D”, Sheet C-131E, “Grading and Drainage Plan E”, Sheet C-131F, “Grading and
Drainage Plan F”, Sheet C-131G, “Grading and Drainage Plan G”, Sheet C-131H,
“Grading and Drainage Plan H”, Sheet C-141A, “Utilities Plan A”, Sheet C-141B,
“Utilities Plan B”, Sheet C-141C, “Utilities Plan C”, Sheet C-141D, “Utilities Plan D”,
Sheet C-141E, “Utilities Plan E”, Sheet C-141F, “Utilities Plan F”, Sheet C-141G,
“Utilities Plan G”, Sheet C-141H, “Utilities Plan H”, Sheet C-151A, “Planting Plan A”,
Sheet C-151B, “Planting Plan B”, Sheet C-151C, “Planting Plan C”, Sheet C-151D,
“Planting Plan D”, Sheet C-151E, “Planting Plan E”, Sheet C-151F, “Planting Plan F”,
Sheet C-151G, “Planting Plan G”, Sheet C-151H, “Planting Plan H”, Sheet C-501,
“Details I”, Sheet C-501, “Details II”, Sheet C-503, “Details III”, Sheet C-504, “Details
IV”, Sheet C-505, “Details V”, Sheet C-506, “Details VI”, Sheet C-507, “Details VII”,
Sheet C-600, “Wetland Replication Plan, Plan View + Notes 1 of 5”, Sheet C-601,
“Wetland Replication Plan, Plan View + Details 2 of 5”, Sheet C-602, “Wetland
Replication Plan, Overall Plan 3 of 5”, Sheet C-603, “Wetland Replication Plan, Sections
4 of 5”, Sheet C-604, “Wetland Replication Plan, Sections 5 of 5”; Locus: Lexington
High School, 251 Waltham St, Lexington, MA; Prepared for: Town of Lexington Public
Schools; Prepared by: SMMA; Date: 02/03/2026; Revised: 05/11/2026, 05/26/2026, and
06/04/2026
Ms. Erin Prestileo, SMMA, was present and asked the peer reviewer from Apex to provide a
status update of the peer review. Mr. Dylan O’Donnell, Apex, stated that on May 21, 2026, Apex
met with the project team to provide feedback. Apex requested revisions and further information
regarding groundwater and stormwater BMP design, tree box filter design, the project’s pollutant
loading classification per state standards, and stormwater quality around Wetland 7. Mr.
O’Donnell stated that the final stormwater and wetlands review letters were issued on June 3,
2026, and only minor changes were requested along with recommended conditions for approval.
Mr. Whelan asked if Apex could confirm if all remaining questions from Apex have been
answered and resolved. Mr. O’Donnell stated that SMMA provided comprehensive and
satisfactory responses to any remaining questions.
Mr. Jim Williams, 8 Stratham Rd, asked the Commission to raise the issues he had submitted in a
letter. Ms. Ladd stated that the protection of the wetlands has been considered by the
Commission including the ecological benefits of the project through the proposed mitigation.
Ms. Ladd stated that the extension to Muzzey Street will be removed and restored to natural
vegetation with a boardwalk installed as well. Mr. Williams stated that his letter submitted on
June 1, 2026, contains concerns specific to the law and raised concern about the number of
stories proposed. Ms. Ladd stated that the number of stories is not within the Commission’s
jurisdiction and that the Commission has addressed the ecological impacts of the proposed
project. Mr. Beuttell and Mr. Hamilton stated agreement with Ms. Ladd. Mr. Whelan stated that
there are significant improvements to the site through this proposal.
Ms. Leticia Hom, 175 Grove St, stated that there is no plan to monitor wetlands mitigation
success and expressed concern that the wetlands will not be successful at the close of the project.
Ms. Ladd stated that the applicant will have to monitor the wetland for success and noted that the
Commission’s jurisdiction does not extend across the entire site.
Ms. Olga Guttag, 273 Emerson Road, stated that that a wetland should not be altered if there is
an alternate area to build outside of the wetlands and expressed concern for the project proposal
including altering wetlands and wetland replication.
On a motion by Mr. Beuttell and seconded by Mr. Hamilton, the Commission voted 6-0 by roll
call vote to close the hearing.
Record of Vote as Follows:
Kevin Beuttell – Aye
Alex Dohan – Aye
Philip Hamilton – Aye
Jason Hnatko – Aye
Ruth Ladd – Aye
Tom Olivier – Abstain
Tom Whelan – Aye
The Commission will hold a special meeting Tuesday June 16th at 7pm to vote on the issuance of
the Order of Conditions for 251 Waltham Street.
On a motion by Mr. Olivier and seconded by Mr. Whelan, the Commission voted 7-0 by roll call
vote to adjourn the meeting.
Record of Vote as Follows:
Kevin Beuttell – Aye
Alex Dohan – Aye
Philip Hamilton – Aye
Jason Hnatko – Aye
Ruth Ladd – Aye
Tom Olivier – Aye
Tom Whelan – Aye
9:06pm
Respectfully Submitted,
Megan Guardado
LUHD Department Assistant
Approved: 7/28/2026
Archived: 7/29/2026